ESG policies and downloads repository

We recognise that the activities of our customers can have Environmental & Social (E&S) impacts – including polluting activities and the potential for human rights violations. The E&S Risk Framework forms part of NatWest Group’s overall reputational risk policy and requires enhanced due diligence to be performed for certain customer relationships, transactions, activities and projects.

It is comprised of E&S Risk Acceptance Criteria (RAC) for seven sectors which present heightened E&S risk and a RAC for human rights. Customers whose activities fall within a sector RAC, or any other customer where associated E&S risk concerns have been identified, are subject to enhanced due diligence.

We also have an E&S risk concerns process (PDF, 138 KB) which seeks to ensure that E&S risk is identified and managed for customers and transactions in sectors which are not covered by a RAC, or where there may be multiple issues or complexities.

 For more information on our E&S policies, see the E&S and Reputational Risk Management page.

Scope

The E&S Risk Framework applies to all legal entities within the Group for the onboarding of non-personal customers for the purpose of providing financing* (including Project Finance) and applies to the management of E&S risk throughout these customers’ lifecycles. 
 

*Refers to any financing, refinancing and facilitating activity through lending (including reserve-based lending), loan underwriting, bond underwriting, arranging and/or distribution of debt or equity, as well as trade and working capital finance.
 

Please find full E&S Risk Acceptance Criteria documents for each sector below.